The Ministry of Education has taken a significant step forward by announcing the opening of several new secondary schools designed to benefit Year 9 students across Fiji. Minister Aseri Radrodro recently confirmed that Ratu Meli Memorial Secondary School is now welcoming students, a move that aims to ease travel challenges and keep children engaged in their education.
The initiative kicked off with the launch of Naweni Secondary School last Thursday, with Namuka Secondary School expected to follow suit soon. Moreover, plans are underway to establish additional schools in the regions of Nawaka, Yasawa, Ra, and Naitasiri, which will further enhance educational opportunities throughout the country.
“These schools aim to bring education closer to our communities, helping our children remain in school until they complete their education,” said Radrodro. He praised the resilience of local communities, noting their enduring spirit in overcoming long travel distances that previously hindered students’ learning experiences. This community determination was instrumental in contributing to student achievements reported in the last academic year.
The Ministry of Education reported a remarkable enrollment of over 225,000 students in the previous academic year. The introduction of these new institutions is a vital component of their mission to ensure all students have equitable access to quality education, despite the geographical challenges that Fiji presents. With the first sessions expected to commence tomorrow, these developments herald a promising future for educational accessibility in the nation.